Runner’s review of 2012 Hurt in the Dirt
If you are looking for a “fun” mud run this is not for you. Hurt in the Dirt lives up to its name. It’s the real deal. So real, Olympic gold medalist Billy Demong dominated the duathlon course as a solo participant. He finished the trail run and mountain bike race more than a minute ahead of a two man team. The course of run, bike, run, bike is all off road – in the dirt. Here’s where the hurt comes in. The mountain bike section is long, exposed to the sun and the race starts at 4:30 p.m. in the blazing heat. The trail run is, in my opinion, pretty robust. It will rattle your fillings.
2012 Hurt in the Dirt solo winner, Bill Demong. (Photo: Only in Ogden)
Fifteen miles in and I’m dizzy, disoriented and winded. Gasp. I’ve just started my second rotation on the mountain bike. I’ve just looked down and realized I’m not wearing my outer shorts (the shorts with all my tools in the pockets). They are lying forgotten next to my running shoes a mile from here. Gasp. Yup, I’m in only a thin pair of tri shorts – otherwise known as spandex (please don’t tell my friends). Was I that out of it when I grabbed my bike? Gasp. Brain not working at 100%. Maybe not even 50% right now. Gasp. Inventory time: no tube, no bike tools, no patch kit. Oh well I made it the previous ten miles on the bike without a flat or a mechanical issue. I should be fine. I am a mountain biker and a marathon runner, grrrr! Think no flats, no flats, no flats. Well shit…I’ve got a flat. Note to self for next year: go tubeless and slime the tires.
Jacob Case carries his bike over a stream at the 2012 Hurt in the Dirt. (Photo: Only in Ogden)
Hurt in the Dirt is an off road duathlon at Fort Buenaventura State Park in Ogden, Utah. Approximately 20 miles of fairly non-technical mountain biking, held in four 5 mile loops, and close to 8 miles of trail running, held in four 2 mile loops. It involves running through a river and dodging/jumping trees that cover the trails. There are two aid stations, one on each loop and another aid station at the bike/runner exchange. Hurt in the Dirt provides water, sports drinks, snacks and gels at these stops.
The author really Hurt in the Dirt as he pushes his bike up a steep climb. (Photo: Only in Ogden)
2012 Hurt in the Dirt relay winners, Craig Green and Scott Allen. (Photo: Only in Ogden)
Things you’ll need: endurance, a mountain bike/cross bike, helmet, hydration pack, gels/electrolytes, spare tubes, pump, running shoes, bike shoes and sunscreen. I recommend you also use salt pills, bring gloves, tubeless-slimed-tires and upgrade the running shoes to full on trail shoes. You will see the worst of the obstacles four times each, so bring a sense of humor.
For more, or to get yourself ready for next year, go to www.hurtinthedirt.com
